Eli5:Why is it that cell phones , with their tiny antenaes are able to download files at LTE speeds inside concrete buildings from cell towers kilometers away yet getting wifi to work behind a corner is an exercise in frustration?

Question

Eli5:Why is it that cell phones , with their tiny antenaes are able to download files at LTE speeds inside concrete buildings from cell towers kilometers away yet getting wifi to work behind a corner is an exercise in frustration?

In: 2387

Answer 1

Cell towers are absolutely BLASTING their signal–they have permission from the FCC do to this, and it works. WiFi is meant to be a personal or smaller-scale thing, and works at far lower power levels. As a result, the signals are easier to block.

If you want a fun read, google “cantenna” for a cool way to boost your signal.